John Locke and Thomas Hobbes

1.) According to each philosopher, what is the ideal form of government?

2.) What does each philosopher believe to be true about an individual’s natural rights?

3.) What does each philosopher believe to be true about human nature?

4.) According to each philosopher, could people be trusted to govern themselves?

5.) According to each philosopher, what was the purpose of the government?

6.) According to each philosopher, what rights did the people have if the government failed to protect the individual’s natural rights?

Hobbes vs. Locke

1.) Absolute Monarch
2.) People are born with rights that they relinquish to the monarch in return for protection. This is known as social contract.
3.) Believed that people were wicked, selfish, and cruel and would act on behalf of their best interests. “Every man for every man”.
4.) No, people could not be trusted to govern themselves and an absolute monarch would demand obedience to maintain order.
5.) The purpose of the government was to keep law and order.
6.) Because people had no say in their government, they could do nothing if the monarch were abusive. / 1.) Democracy
2.) All people are born with certain inalienable rights. They are life, liberty, and the right to own property.
3.) Believed that people were by nature good and that they could learn from their experiences.
4.) Yes, people could be trusted to govern themselves. Locke believed
that if provided with the right information people would make good decisions.
5.) The purpose of the government is to protect individual liberties and rights.
6.) The people had the right to revolt against an abusive government.

1.) According to your philosopher, what is the ideal form of government?

2.) What does your philosopher believe to be true about an individuals natural rights?

3.) What does your philosopher believe to be true about human nature?

4.) According to your philosopher, could people be trusted to govern themselves?

Hobbes vs. Locke

5.) According to your philosopher, what was the purpose of the government?

6.) According to your philosopher, what rights did the people have if the government failed to protect the individuals natural rights?